Bleeding Heart Bakery to Shutter August 5

Having just opened its new location at 1351 W. Belmont Ave. in June, Bleeding Heart Bakery owners Vinny and Michelle Garcia announced this afternoon via Facebook that they are closing up shop:

“It is with a heavy heart that we announce, today, that Chicago’s Bleeding Heart Bakery is closing on August 5th, 2012. We have had 9 amazing years, we have learned so much and have met some of the most awesome people. This is not a choice made out of haste and it certainly is not because we have given up or are in anyway being made to shut down. Quite the opposite! We have been given opportunities to progress our career beyond the bakery in an environment that is better for our family. So, this is a sad day, but one we feel is necessary for our children’s happiness and the health of our family. We thank all of you for the support you have given throughout the years and we hope to continue to hear amazing things about the local and sustainable food movement in Chicago.”

Though not referenced in the original FB post, the Garcias confirmed that their Elmhurst location is closing as well. “All orders have been taken care of,” they posted in response to queries. Anyone who placed an order that can’t be honored has already been contacted; no phone call means your cake is safe.

It’s been a trying 12 months for the Garcias: The Oak Park BHB outpost was robbed in December 2011 and ultimately shuttered; the couple acrimoniously broke off their relationship with partners in West Town BHB; and the opening of the Belmont BHB suffered from continuous delays. Still, the Garcias, fixtures on Chicago’s baking scene for the better part of a decade, will be remembered for bringing organic, vegan, “punk rock” pastries to Chicago at a time when those terms were true curiosities (and punk rock pastries probably still is).

Better make some room in the freezer. We have from now until Aug. 5 to stock up on cake balls.